FICTION

Something Extraordinary

by Ben CLANTON
illus. by Ben Clanton. 40p. S. & S. Jun. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481403580; ebk. $12.99. ISBN 9781481403597.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—At first glance, this story appears to celebrate the power of imagination. A boy wishes for powers to fly, breathe underwater, move things with his mind, or talk to animals. He wishes for unusual pets and footsteps that make funny sounds. All these wishes are illustrated in muted shades. Even the rain "in seven different colors" falls as pastel drops. Although the child's bushy tail and fangs evoke Max and the robust wild things in his imaginary journey, Clanton's protagonist ultimately discovers that something truly extraordinary can be found in the singing birds, blooming flowers, and trees around him. While still quite muted, the colors of these outdoor scenes are brighter than the pages devoted to imagination.
VERDICT Perhaps Clanton wants to foster appreciation of everyday wonders found in nature, but the story is confusing and unsatisfying.
Reviewed by Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato
"I wish I could fly! / And breathe underwater." A boy riffs on his impossible wishes; his fulfilled fantasies appear in illustrations of subdued color. His ultimate wish, for "something real!"--he encounters a family of birds singing in a tree--is presented in more vibrant color. Only a junior curmudgeon wouldn't read this book and want to sing along.
, Apr 01, 2015

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